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England boss Roy Hodgson confident there will be no security issues at World Cup

England manager Roy Hodgson has played down fears that civil unrest in Brazil could disrupt the World Cup finals.

Last Updated: 07/11/13 5:39pm

Roy Hodgson: England boss not concerned by cancellation of Soccerex

Hodgson insisted he was "not that dissapointed" that major football convention Soccerex, which was due to take place on the eve of the tournament draw next month, was cancelled earlier this week.

Soccerex organisers claimed the withdrawal of local government support due to "civil unrest" led to their decision to cancel the event.

The state government of Rio denied that was the reason and claimed Soccerex organisers did not apply for the correct funding, but security for next year's showpiece remains a huge concern.

Hodgson was among those due to appear at the Maracana Stadium, but when asked for his opinion on the event being cancelled, he said: "Well, to be flippant, I am not that disappointed.

"I heard I was speaking at it but (I am) not sure what I would speak about.

"I don't think it will have any relevance on the World Cup in June 2014.

"There have been some problems over there as we all know. We can't turn a blind eye to that, but we can only trust that the authorities are taking issue with any problems that are taking place over there.

"Where Soccerex fits into this, I wouldn't know. Soccerex and the local authorities would know, but I think it would be harsh if we said because of this that suggests there will be problems at the World Cup.

"I don't see any reason for that at the moment and really it would be a question of I suppose of waiting and seeing."